THE RSPCA has been criticised after the charity ‘failed to respond’ to reports of a suffering animal for hours.

Reports of a distressed and bleeding deer in Accrington were made in the early morning, but the charity did not turn up to put down the animal until mid afternoon.

The injured deer had wandered on to the People’s Ford forecourt in Whalley Road where it soon became too exhausted to stand for long periods.

Staff members spent much of the day trying to comfort and restrain the agitated animal which had an injured leg and a bleeding mouth.

RSPCA officers showed up approximately six hours after employees claim they contacted them.

A spokesperson said there had been a delay as they believed the deer had left the premises People’s Ford employee David Taylor said staff were trying to comfort the animal, which had wandered onto their site, close to open countryside, at 8.30am.

He said: “It was a hot day, it was in agony and we were trying to stop it leaving and wandering out into the road.

“Soon that didn’t become a problem any more as it just collapsed and lay down. It was clearly suffering. We also tried to give it water but it wouldn’t accept it.

“I had to call the RSPCA throughout the morning and on my last call I said if they were not here by 2pm I would call the Lancashire Telegraph. I was stunned by their lack of reaction.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “The RSPCA cruelty line took a call from police at 9.30am but when our control centre rang the member of the public back, we were told the deer had gone so the incident was closed.

“Another call came in saying the deer was still there at 12.05pm and an officer was dispatched but cancelled after a vet got in touch and offered to go along. When the vet reported not being able to get near the deer, a deer manager was called.

“It was caught and, sadly, found to have a broken jaw so was put to sleep to end its suffering.”

Comments (14)

I'm so angry with all the people involved in this poor animals' welfare. First and foremost, the RSPCA have a duty to end the suffering of an animal if it cannot be saved. Why they would contact the member of the public, whom I presume informed the police, is beyond me. There's nothing in this report to confirm whether the person was still at the scene. They could have reported it 2, 3 or more hours previous to the contact by the RSPCA, whilst on their way to work. I don't know if the police have a duty to at least visit the scene, but as it was near a road, I would have thought they would at least check to ensure the deer couldn't cause a road accident by bolting in fright. Although I appreciate the members of staff tried to help, they may have made the situation so frightening for the deer, that he may well have collapsed through fear. Even if he hadn't had injuries that threatened his life, the shock of being restrained and people trying to help him, could have caused death through fear, which would send him into shock or cardiac failure.

I'm so angry with all the people involved in this poor animals' welfare. First and foremost, the RSPCA have a duty to end the suffering of an animal if it cannot be saved. Why they would contact the member of the public, whom I presume informed the police, is beyond me. There's nothing in this report to confirm whether the person was still at the scene. They could have reported it 2, 3 or more hours previous to the contact by the RSPCA, whilst on their way to work. I don't know if the police have a duty to at least visit the scene, but as it was near a road, I would have thought they would at least check to ensure the deer couldn't cause a road accident by bolting in fright. Although I appreciate the members of staff tried to help, they may have made the situation so frightening for the deer, that he may well have collapsed through fear. Even if he hadn't had injuries that threatened his life, the shock of being restrained and people trying to help him, could have caused death through fear, which would send him into shock or cardiac failure.Mothernature

The RSPCA. Are a disgrace ,,, I saw a dog get hit by a train , it survived ,,, thay refused to attend ,, saying not there problem ,cost to much ,, well I contacted a vet and they said profit before animals the RSPCA ,, anyway the dog got better cost about £1500. ,, the managers are on two much money , plus how much are they on at the very top ,,, More than the prime minister don't believe me look it up ,,,

The RSPCA. Are a disgrace ,,, I saw a dog get hit by a train , it survived ,,, thay refused to attend ,, saying not there problem ,cost to much ,, well I contacted a vet and they said profit before animals the RSPCA ,, anyway the dog got better cost about £1500. ,, the managers are on two much money , plus how much are they on at the very top ,,, More than the prime minister don't believe me look it up ,,,phil kernot

The Rspca seem. imho, to have lost very much the confidence of the public.
Stories like this, lacking compassion on their par,t are now common, as is knowledge of the salaries of their directors.
Take a look how "Hope for Paws" in the USA go about the same thing. They put the Rspca to shame.

The Rspca seem. imho, to have lost very much the confidence of the public.
Stories like this, lacking compassion on their par,t are now common, as is knowledge of the salaries of their directors.
Take a look how "Hope for Paws" in the USA go about the same thing. They put the Rspca to shame.Bluelizzy

The head of the RSPCA is paid more than the Prime minister and they were advertising for a "Health and safety officer" at £70,000 a year, they don't need your money they are rolling in it.

The head of the RSPCA is paid more than the Prime minister and they were advertising for a "Health and safety officer" at £70,000 a year, they don't need your money they are rolling in it.drunken donut

My son 's recent experience of the RSPCA reflects much of the above. As a regular donator he was disgusted by their refusal to assist a dog that had been injured by a car. He took the dog to a Vet and cancelled his monthly donation by standing order.

My son 's recent experience of the RSPCA reflects much of the above. As a regular donator he was disgusted by their refusal to assist a dog that had been injured by a car. He took the dog to a Vet and cancelled his monthly donation by standing order.Rozzyreader

People seem to forget that the RSPCA aren't government funded or an emergency services. With less than 400 Inspectors covering England, Wales and the Isle of Wight your nearest Inspector might be Atleast 3 hours away. I agree there are some things that should be dealt with that aren't, i.e RozzyReader's comment regarding the dog. Most dog situations are covered and the legal responsibility of the dog warden but any involvement in an RTC should be dealt with. But just remember the RSPCA are the only charity with inspectors to investigate animal cruelty and neglect, without them who are going to help?

People seem to forget that the RSPCA aren't government funded or an emergency services. With less than 400 Inspectors covering England, Wales and the Isle of Wight your nearest Inspector might be Atleast 3 hours away. I agree there are some things that should be dealt with that aren't, i.e RozzyReader's comment regarding the dog. Most dog situations are covered and the legal responsibility of the dog warden but any involvement in an RTC should be dealt with. But just remember the RSPCA are the only charity with inspectors to investigate animal cruelty and neglect, without them who are going to help?IMyselfAndMe

The RSPCA have lost their way, yet again it is highlighted the failings of this organisation, remember when the put that poor Deer to sleep after they tried to tame it and it failed the Deer was put to sleep because of their incompetence. They may be a charity but if they are not up to the job then another organisation should be set up someone who actually cares.

The RSPCA have lost their way, yet again it is highlighted the failings of this organisation, remember when the put that poor Deer to sleep after they tried to tame it and it failed the Deer was put to sleep because of their incompetence. They may be a charity but if they are not up to the job then another organisation should be set up someone who actually cares.djholland

Well people stop funding this charity and fund smaller more localised charities. Did you know, in 2013, the RSPCA paid their chief executive 160,000, that's why they cant afford to respond to every call.

Well people stop funding this charity and fund smaller more localised charities. Did you know, in 2013, the RSPCA paid their chief executive 160,000, that's why they cant afford to respond to every call.globetrot